In 2003, the Children's Bureau released a request for proposals (RFP) to build home- and community-based systems of care to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families at risk of child maltreatment, children and youth who have been identified as victims of maltreatment but have not been removed from their home, or children and youth in State custody (foster care). The initiative is an outgrowth of the State Child and Family Services Reviews, which showed that serious deficiencies exist in most State child welfare agencies in terms of ensuring children's safety, finding them permanent homes, and promoting their well-being.

Grants were awarded to nine organizations to demonstrate systemic changes in the way States and Tribes provide services to children, youth, and families. In addition, the National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Child Welfare Systems of Care Grantees was created to support the grantees through programmatic and evaluation technical assistance, research, and training.

The following resources provide more information on the initiative and grantees.